The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant roster move by trading outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed pitcher Nick Mears to the Kansas City Royals. In return, they acquired left-handed relief pitcher Ángel Zerpa, a hard-throwing ground ball specialist.
Details of the Trade
On December 13, the Brewers completed the trade involving Collins and Mears for Zerpa, who is known for his powerful sinker-slider combination. This deal reflects the Brewers’ strategy to enhance their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.
About Ángel Zerpa
Ángel Zerpa, a 26-year-old pitcher, posted a 4.18 earned run average (ERA) over 69 appearances last season. His metrics, however, indicate his potential for better performance, as evidenced by a career ERA of 3.97. Last season, he achieved a remarkable 62.4% ground ball rate, placing him in the 99th percentile among all Major League Baseball pitchers.
Despite a low strikeout rate of 16.4%, Zerpa managed to record 58 strikeouts across 64⅔ innings. His hard-throwing style, operating in the upper-90s, makes him a valuable asset to the Brewers’ pitching staff.
What the Brewers Gave Up
- Isaac Collins: Last season, Collins was fourth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. He had a batting average of .263, a .368 on-base percentage, and an OPS of .779.
- Nick Mears: Mears made 63 relief appearances, finishing with a 3.49 ERA and recording 16 holds. However, his ability to generate strikeouts weakened, with his rate dropping from 29.3% in 2024 to 20.8% in 2025.
Brewers’ Future Outlook
This trade indicates that the Brewers are willing to take a calculated risk as they project a step back from Collins and Mears while placing their trust in Zerpa’s potential. With three years of club control remaining and one minor-league option, Zerpa adds depth to the Brewers’ bullpen, joining other pitchers like Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill.
As the Brewers prepare for the 2026 season, this trade exemplifies their commitment to building a strong pitching roster while maintaining a competitive edge within the league.
